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OPINION

LETTER: Reward of rabbits great, but so is commitment

Published 1:32 p.m. ET April 13, 2017

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Rabbits and bunnies are traditionally associated with the Easter season. But parents should refrain from considering live animals as “Easter gifts for children” this season.(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Rabbits and bunnies are traditionally associated with the Easter season. They are often given as holiday gifts to children this time of year. But baby rabbits are neither toys, nor short–term pets.

Those adorable bunnies at the pet shop quickly grow into adults that require proper daily attention, socialization and routine veterinarian care for many years. Too often, cute animals are purchased as a gift for a child without an understanding of the long-term commitment being made. Since rabbits require more attention than a young child can be expected to give, it is actually the adults in the household who must make that commitment in time and costs.

What the pet shop will not tell you at the time of purchase: 1) Rabbits have special diets that should not be based primarily on the food pellets the store sells, 2) all rabbits, male and female, must be spayed or neutered for health and behavioral reasons, not just for pregnancy prevention, 3) they need plenty of exercise and should spend little time in cages, 4) their habitats require daily maintenance, and the rabbits themselves needs hours of socialization, 5) expect to spend money on routine vet visits and medications, 6) housing a rabbit outdoors, in hutch or a garage, diminishes the quality and length of life, 7) consider potential human allergies to hay and animal dander. For a better understanding of domestic rabbit care, visit the House Rabbit Society webpage before bringing a bunny home.

Domestic rabbits are the third most often surrendered animal at shelters. The majority of these surrenders occur simply because the pet’s people-family was wholly unprepared for the responsibilities. Other rabbits are relegated to a cage in a basement or garage. And still other Easter presents are eventually, and illegally, released into the outdoors to fend for themselves. But unlike wild rabbits, domesticated ones cannot survive on their own.

As with any pet, consider adopting from a shelter before buying from a pet store. Pet shops typically acquire their supply of rabbits from mass-breeding facilities similar to the infamous puppy-mills.

Rabbits do make wonderful companion pets. One will make an intelligent and affectionate addition to the right family. The rewards are great, but so is the commitment. Before bringing a rabbit home, think about the quality of life for both you and the rabbit. Best practice: Please refrain from considering live animals as “Easter gifts for children” this season.